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I’m excited to share with all of you some ways I have found to make extra money as a stay at home mom. A lot of people have wanted to know my tips on couponing as well, which I will also address. When my husband and I decided I would stay at home as the main caregiver, there was a lot of discussion around the finances, for obvious reasons. We revisited our budget, made a bunch of calls to our bills to see where we could cut costs, and also started shopping more at Aldi. I usually visit there once a month on average.

Now, how do I MAKE MONEY??

Ibotta appMy number one way is by using the Ibotta app. If you haven’t heard of this app yet, shame on you 🙂 It’s basically a rebate app that pays you money back for doing your everyday shopping. Each retailer has items that if you buy, they will pay you money. So they are benefiting since you are buying their products. For example, I just sent my receipt in this morning from Walmart and made $2.50. I got paid for buying yogurt, baby food, and crackers. Also, they have money back for buying any item. It really gets you in the habit of using the app. My email reminded me this morning that it has been a full year using it now. With Black Friday deals coming up too, you can buy directly through the app and earn even more cash back. These are things you were going to buy anyway. We recently bought my daughter an Echo Dot for music in her room after she starting having night terrors. And pretty much the cutest thing is hearing her tell Alexa what music she wants to hear. We purchased through the app to get 5% back. That doesn’t seem like a lot, but when you stay home, every dollar (or cent) matters.

So how does it work?
>> Download the Ibotta app
>> Enter my promo code to get $10 free!
>> Start shopping the rebates and offers on the app (It really is that simple)
>> After you purchase items, scan/upload your receipt
>> You can send the money earned to your account! It usually takes just a day.

So yes, the app is free! No gimmicks 🙂 Make the most of your holiday shopping this year and grocery shopping throughout the year!

Now, let me talk coupons!
There have been shopping trips where I save 15-20% on my total with coupons. I will admit, using coupons does take time. I compare the sales and then combine it with coupons I have. Sometimes I am even able to double up coupons. For example, if I have two separate coupons for the same item I can use both. I also use the Ibotta app in combination with coupons. And for some reason, I am on Kroger’s best customer list. So i get free coupons all the time.

Open an online shop
Another way to make money is sell your talents! What do you do best? I have been slowly getting back into crafts and sewing. I had an Etsy shop set up when I was making wood signs (pre-second baby) and that would allow me to do some projects while the kids nap or in the evening. And as many of you know, my back pain has limited some of this for now. I’m now 8 months postpartum so taking it easy and slowly healing. But this requires a lot of time stretching and strengthening. I’m hopeful to get back into selling handmade items in the next year or two!

Craiglist/Facebook Marketplace
I have also been on the minimalist journey so I am frequently cleaning out and selling anything of value on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. For those with kids, minimalism has saved me so much time (and money). You spend less time cleaning up clutter and have more time to spend with family. I am only surrounded by the things I love (and that bring me joy). If you haven’t read The Life changing magic of tidying up, it should be on your list. What, you don’t have time? Me neither, but for me this was a priority. I skimmed that book in a day or two and began sending bags and bags of STUFF and CLUTTER to be donated.

Amazon Associates program
You know all those links to products on Amazon when you are reading blogs? Well when you buy through the link provided, the person makes a little money (and does a little happy dance). Pretty simple right? It took me less than 5 minutes to set up my account. Read more about the program here! Who doesn’t shop Amazon?? 🙂 This program works well for me because I have a blog, use ALOT of Amazon products, and love to help others (especially moms) find deals!

So there you have it! What other ways do you have to make money while staying home? Taking care of two littles is a full time job, but there are little snippets of ME time. And some of these above mentioned take little time! Please comment with questions too!

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Hey guys, I know it’s been awhile and I’ve missed writing so much. The last six months I have been focusing on healing during my postpartum journey. It has come at a price. Lots of time researching, going to physical therapy, stretching, and strengthening. I have been trying to stay emotionally and mentally healthy as well. Chronic pain can really take that away. (See cute baby below to realize this has all been WORTH IT.)I wanted to share more of my story and what steps I have taken to get to a much better place. Not healed, but able to deal with it. It is going to be an ongoing process for a while, if not forever. Because, just a reminder, your health is a TOP PRIORITY!

My low back pain started about 6 weeks postpartum. It took me a few months after that to see a physical therapist. She treated me for Sacroilliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction (pain). The joint that stabilizes between the sacrum and iliac is too loose, creating too much movement and makes it hard to stabilize. The hormone, relaxin, from birth and breastfeeding loosen the joints. All the muscles surrounding the area are sore from having to overcompensate. Also, my core strength has weakened since having two kids so close together.

I have felt defeated many times but I haven’t given up. The pain has been so unbearable at times making it hard to do the simplest things such as sit, stand and hold my babies.

Here are the symptoms that I have:
Pain transitioning from sitting to standing
Pain when rolling over in bed
Pain when sitting too long and long car rides
Pain in hips, buttocks, groin, full back and upper legs
Tightness in groin
Pain around SI joint
Pain going down stairs
Pain worse on one side

I am here to tell you there is hope. After reading so many negative things about chronic pain about this issue, it has been tough to stay positive. But then I think, when have I ever given up? And the one thing that has been the game changer for me? Well two things really. YOGA and self adjustments. Not just any yoga. I found a pain relief series by Lindey Samper on Amazon Prime. I am doing stretches and strengthening that I couldn’t do last week because of it. I believe the healing so far wouldn’t have been possible without physical therapy and of course my support village. Big shout out to my husband! I think he really understands that this postpartum healing journey is long and he has been my rock.

It took some time to figure out what is working for me specifically. Here are some of the steps that I have taken to find relief in addition to the aforementioned items:

>>Going to physical therapy for 4+ months
>>Saw an orthopedic doctor this week (who determined it was all childbirth related and the SI joint tests were negative)
>>Bought another Ikea Poang chair (full back support, amazing!!)

>>Hot epsom salt baths
>>Bought The Back Pain Secret book on Amazon (This has some great exercises and advice)

>>SI belt
>>Ice packs
>>TENS unit>>Yoga
>>Baby wearing with the Lillebaby carrier with back support
>>Anti-inflammatory diet (no refined sugar, limiting gluten, adding superfoods)
>>Turmeric supplements (to be fair, I haven’t dosed enough to give much feedback)
>>Being intentional with every movement, posture, carrying and lifting (If I see you slouching I might say something)
>>monthly massages (This also is amazing and I highly recommend buying a massage chair)
>>Joined Facebook support group
>>Following blogs about SI joint pain
>>Spending more time home to focus on time for yoga and less carrying (carseats and toddlers)
>>Bought supportive bras for my measured size G breasts
>>Self adjustments to SI joint and pelvis (pelvis reset exercises)
>>Dry needling (starting this week, woohoo!)

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding (like me), I understand you are limited in terms of medicine. But it has honestly been for the better so I can focus on the problem vs the symptoms. That is also why you do not see chiropractor mentioned 🙂 And this is in no way to bash that alternative method. Just my personal opinion.

I would love to chat with you more if you are experiencing this too. The pain is SO REAL. Every day you have to fight. I think going through labor again would be easier, put it that way! I hope this blog post reaches one person who will have an aha moment. I pray it helps you 🙂

My journey continues from here and I will be focusing on this yoga series for now. One day at a time. My babies need me to be at my best.

Please comment below if I left anything out or you have words of wisdom. This is an ongoing journey and I can’t do it alone.

Thanks for reading!
Kim

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In hindsight, postpartum after having my first baby wasn’t nearly as bad as with the second. Not to say it was by any means easy or to say others haven’t had a rough time. From what my experience has been, most people think that once the baby comes things get easier. Not sure where that idea came from. I’m here to tell you what postpartum life is really like. It’s not easy friends! Cute baby faces help, but it’s often a struggle.

Throughout my second pregnancy I constantly heard that the baby would deliver faster and easier. In my case, I went into labor at night so going all day and not resting didn’t help. With my daughter (first born), I labored in the morning so had a full nights sleep. So that at least made it seem easier looking back. My doctor told me throughout pregnancy that my uterus is more sensitive now with the second, and I believe that!

Once I delivered I was ready for the second night cluster feeding. I was ready for all I expected having done this before. What I haven’t been ready for is experiencing back pain to the point of not being able to pick up and play with my kids. I don’t always have help so I have to do it regardless. This makes the healing process feel like it will never progress. Add in the late night feedings and holding the baby and it becomes excruciating. There have been many nights where I just held a crying baby and broke down myself. With my husband on night shift, I have texted him just to vent and hear someone say it will be ok. That’s what I need to hear. That my feelings are ok. It’s ok that I’m frustrated because right as I get comfortable the baby is once again crying.

I am now three months in and still having this back pain. I know it will take time to heal and I have an amazing community of support giving me exercises I can do to strengthen my core. Having two babies within two years wasn’t easy on my body, especially my abdominal muscles. When I asked my doctor if I have Diastasis recti (ab separation that is common in 2 out of 3 women with multiple children) he shrugged it off. I did a plank around my six week mark when I was released to exercise again. My low back overcompensated for it. The hardest part is just doing the day to day with two babies; the constant getting up and down, carrying a 25 lb toddler and making sure everyone stays safe.

The care women receive here in the United States is not where it should be. If you remember after my first I became so frustrated with the system while trying to figure out if I had mastitis. I recently found this article on the Fit4Mom blog that shows what different cultures do to support mothers postpartum. It really is sad to see where the United States is in comparison. We often feel like we have more love to give (i.e. have more babies) but don’t have the support we need to stay happy, healthy, and mentally sane.

Breastfeeding is another thing that happens to your body. It actually HAPPENS to your body. Your breasts become huge, saggy, squirting, leaking, sweaty, rashes and oh so uncomfortable. And I’m not really sure if my back rolls are breast tissue or what. Forget those bras you already bought during pregnancy. They don’t fit. Go spend another hundred dollars and maybe get a little bit more comfort. But try to leave the house with two kids in tow and focus on trying clothes on. I didn’t even mention the first few weeks of breastfeeding nipple pain. Brace yourself and scream at the same time your baby does. Then cry because your baby is frustrated now too and not latching. And moms who feed another way you are amazing too! I am not here to complain or take it for granted because I know so many moms have different journeys and that is totally fine!

I debated talking about the emotional side of things. There is a lot of shame surrounding it. There is a big difference in feelings between my first and second. But not because I love one more than the other. You love them differently, as a friend of mine explained it perfectly. Savannah will always hold a special place, being my first born. She made me a mommy. And Owen, well we are seeing his personality more and more every day. It’s really tough to soak in the moments the same as when Savannah was a newborn. You don’t have the time you once had, nor the patience. These feelings lead to a lot of mom guilt; where you feel like you can’t help either child 100%. You also miss when it was easy, just the two of you. So then you have more guilt for thinking that, as if its the same as saying you don’t love your second.

I use to say I could never handle two kids. Somedays are better than others. It’s not always easy but it’s always worth it, especially when these two little faces look up at me with wide eyes (especially when Owen should be sleeping). And the sweetest thing is seeing them in awe of each other. Savannah is 22 months older than Owen and it has taken a little while for her to warm up to him. But the moments she kisses him or asks to play with him make my heart melt. Their dad going to work everyday working so hard makes me sit back and appreciate this family dynamic for now. I know that some day I will miss all of it. So if I cry more some days, so be it. They will see a strong, but vulnerable mom. Maybe someday they will want to be like me and have a family of their own. Each day that both of my tiny humans are safe and happy is a win in my book!

**Edited to add that since having my Mirena (IUD birth control) recently removed my symptoms of back pain and emotional side effects have significantly improved. And that’s a post for another day. The doctors had done very little to forewarn me of these additional hormonal side effects after having just gone through labor & delivery.

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Every pregnancy is different and leading up to 39 weeks, the anticipation was building. Not knowing how or when I would go into labor left me just waiting for the moment. My entire second pregnancy was different from the first (and not sure if it was because we were having a little boy vs. a little girl). Savannah was born pretty much on her due date and this little guy decided to come early at 39+2 days. So here’s my birth story:

Leading up to the day of labor, things were changing rapidly. I was even cleaning baseboards the day or two before. Full on, sitting on the floor cleaning. Crazy, I know! The evening of Monday, March 12 I began having slight cramping and little bit more intense Braxton Hicks contractions. The morning of Tuesday, March 13 I had a friend over for a play date and I felt a lot of pressure when I would stand up or walk. A noticeable difference from the previous day. As the morning went on, I called my mom and she decided to drive down since she was going to be taking care of Savannah while we went to the hospital. My dad ended up driving me to my last OB appointment since Dan was working. He knew something was happening, but not enough yet to take off work. And with my parents here, I did have help in the meantime.

Around 8pm that evening we decided to finalize everything and make our way to the hospital. With Savannah, we waited too long to get to the hospital so I didn’t want to take that chance this time. I was told by my doctor that with the second, things would progress much quicker. That didn’t really seem to be the case for this little guy.

Upon arrival at the hospital, triage checked me in and hooked me up to the monitors so they could keep an eye on contractions and the baby’s heart rate. Several doctors came in and checked my dilation. I was at 2cm and seemed pretty comfortable according to them so I had several choices. We decided to walk the hospital to move labor along and after an hour returned to triage. I was still at 2cm but I was definitely more uncomfortable and could tell labor was coming VERY SOON. We decided to leave the hospital and return once the contractions were even more intense. This was around 11pm.

I labored at home until around 3:30am, woke Dan and he popped out of bed. He knew it was happening and couldn’t wait to meet his little man. We headed back to the hospital and this time it was clear that I wasn’t going anywhere. I was 4cm and the contractions were getting worse. I labored at the hospital until I got my epidural around 7 or 8am. Once the epidural kicked in, I was much more comfortable. The nurses kept coming in and rotating me because Owen’s heart rate kept dipping. And they had me wear oxygen to help regulate his heart rate as well. They came in at some point and broke my water. This would help move labor along.

Around noon I was at 10cm and they made all the preparations for me to start pushing. The doctor was worried about his cord possibly being wrapped so they wanted me to push fast and get him out. I pushed for about 20 minutes and he was here! That part was much quicker than with Savannah’s birth.

And here he is! 8lbs, 4 oz of pure baby bundle! Sweeter than we could have imagined and looking a lot like his sister! We love you so much little man! We say he came early to catch the tournament. GO CATS!!

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With a few weeks to spare, the nursery is complete! For some reason, it was a lot more difficult to design a boy’s nursery than with Savannah’s room. Something about little girls and all the girly stuff is so fun! You can see Savannah’s nursery (once in this room) and her now big girl room! Not to say this wasn’t fun, it was just different. I can’t wait to experience what everyone keeps telling me about little boys. Owen’s nursery took a lot of inspiration from his daddy. It’s filled with UK Blue, Blue and Army stuff! I also threw in a little scripture that has kept me looking forward throughout this journey. And Savannah made sure he had a book wall so he could keep up with her love for reading! And I’m sure they will share a lot of it. It will be fun for her when I am nursing, changing, or playing with him in the nursery.
How fun is this wool ball garland? If you know me, I had to throw in some handmade items! And this big print of Blue framed above the crib. Can you believe this print and frame came in under $25 total? A little DIY magic.
As you can see, we still need to decide on a picture for that frame. The random little girl eating ice cream is cute and all, but maybe a sweet family picture would be better. And I have a thing for using what you already have to decorate, like hanging special clothes on the wall. I did the same with Savannah’s first year dress.
This little burlap hoop was a gift from a dear friend, made locally by Tina at Go Big or Go Home. It’s hand painted and so much love was put into this. What a sweet welcome to his room.

Now to get my bag packed for the hospital. I’m a little behind, but at least my laundry is done! He could be here tomorrow or in a few weeks! AHH… the anticipation of it all!

And then there is this girl. She is going to be the best big sister. I can’t wait to see their love for each other when Owen gets here. Little Owen is going to be a charmer, brave, and strong just like his daddy. We already know he is pretty wild and he hasn’t even arrived. God really did have a plan for our family and I am witnessing it first hand. It’s not easy, but it is so worth it! Thanks for stopping by and peeking into Owen’s room. We will keep you posted once he gets here!

Kim

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I always heard how your second baby would be a tough pregnancy, but I was in for a surprise. Being fairly healthy and working out consistently didn’t make a difference for me. Being only 15 months out from my first baby, my body still hadn’t fully adjusted back to normal yet. By about month 4 or so into my second pregnancy, I started having terrible back spasms at night, waking up screaming. Thankful for my husband all these nights for waking up and helping me, massaging it and comforting me. I was familiar with normal achiness from my first pregnancy, but I knew this was different. It was my upper right back and nothing was helping. Heat made it worse and I was at a loss of what to do. I became so frustrated and sad, not being able to do everyday tasks or fully able to play with and take care of my daughter. That was truly the worst part. I was already going through the anxiety of welcoming another baby where she wouldn’t get my full attention. So like any determined parent would do, I sought help and answers. I wouldn’t take no for an answer and chalk it up to “normal pregnancy symptoms” as many doctors and others had told me.

I called around to my insurance to see what would be covered. I reached out to my facebook mom groups for guidance to see if anyone experienced something similar. I talked to physical therapist family members. A lot of people recommended chiropractic care. So I decided to try it. I went to one complimentary appointment and left there not feeling convinced it would offer relief. It wasn’t for me. (And this doesn’t mean it doesn’t work, I just felt uneasy about all the adjustments during pregnancy) And honestly, I left there with a suggestive problem of scoliosis. And I wasn’t convinced.

I reached out to my Fit4Mom family and several people recommended a physical therapy office near me. My first visit was amazing! They listened to what was ailing me, took measurements, gave me exercises to build strength, and did deep tissue massage in my upper back. It was instant relief (although still had a long way to go). This was early January and I am still going 1-2 times a week. I have built up strength, learned to be more aware of my posture, and do exercises daily to maintain my strength. I can’t say enough good things about the therapists at Performance Physical Therapy here in Lexington, Ky. I have spent the most time with Erin and she has done more than I would ever expect to help me. She is one of the most caring, kind, human beings I have ever met. With two small children of her own, she is familiar with everything that comes with pregnancy.

With a growing belly and other areas getting bigger contributing to the pain, carrying a toddler around, and prepping for a new baby, physical therapy has been life changing for me. I can sleep through the night and enjoy my daughter during the day. The pain is not fully gone, but it is manageable. No more spasms and screaming at night. In the evening I have exercises to do after a long day to help the muscles relax. And a massage chair has been great too!!

Photo by Olivia McCarty

So all you fellow mamas with pain- DON’T GIVE UP! There is hope for your pain relief. I hope to take these techniques and lessons into postpartum care too. You know, the times where you hunch over breastfeeding. I will definitely be more aware of posture and continue to strengthen the muscles. One thing I did learn is that your upper back/shoulder/rotator cuff area is super sensitive and you have to make a conscious effort to build strength. It is very fragile.

Please let me know if you have any questions or thoughts! I hope if you are reading this, you advocate for your body during pregnancy. Only you know if what you are feeling is normal. You got this mama!

Thanks for reading!
Kim

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Once we found out we were pregnant with sweet baby number two, we starting rethinking the bedrooms in our home. Savannah’s nursery was directly across from the master and that was enough of a struggle to walk across the hall for the night time feedings, so I knew that room would be perfect for baby Owen. Sorry Savannah, you get the smaller room. But you have a bathroom next door. Win??

We moved her crib and furniture down the hall and she didn’t blink an eye moving or sleeping at night. She is at the age where its fun wherever Mommy and Daddy are. She runs circles around her new room, and as you can see from these photos, loves to get in the pictures.

We originally painted her nursery an off white when we first moved in and with tall ceilings, it was not an easy undertaking to repaint. And the color, Swiss Coffee by SW, I have throughout my home. It is one of my favorite neutral colors. So I added color and texture throughout the room without changing the wall color. Once we decided to move her room, I knew this was the perfect opportunity for that pink! It’s a very light, blush pink that is soft and perfect for my little baby. So here’s the moment you’ve been waiting for: the reveal! (And I had to rearrange and clean countless times, so don’t let that fool you with a toddler, haha) And links to items can be found at the bottom.

Designing any room takes time. My secret is finding a piece or two and designing the room around that. I started with the paint color and then added complimentary colors like shades of green. My favorite thing in the room is this painting of the Keeneland race course. Being born a derby baby, it goes perfect in her room. I found a local artist here and I pretty much want all of her artwork for my house.
Pterodactyls are a girl’s best friend. Or so Savannah tells me. This cute poster was only $5 at a local vintage store here in Lexington, Ky. I am tempted to go back and find a different one for Owen’s room.
I made this custom sign before Savannah was born (back when I had free time, ha). I love how it turned out and I hope she loves it as she grows up. It can definitely grow with her as her room continues to change.
How cute are these little hexagon wood shelves? They are perfect for showcasing little treasures that should not be in reach of a toddler anyway! And how suiting that they look like a bee hive, one of her favorite things!
Do you have a Nancy Tillman collection of books? These are my favorite books and Savannah loves reading them too. The illustrations are perfect just like the stories.
We have several empty frames just waiting for the perfect picture. Her daddy picked out this gray Me & My Brother frame. I can’t wait to see how much Savannah will love her little brother.I keep a bunch of treasures in this cute box. Her birthday cards, Christmas cards, ultrasound pictures and other random things. I even looked back at her tiny hospital bracelet and almost shed a tear.
I found this two tier little rack and thought it would be perfect for bows. Even though who has time for that these days. She usually has her jammies on most days now since it’s so cold!
We bought this hamper before Savannah was born and we still love it. The 3 Sprouts storage containers are my favorite because they are adorable, child friendly, and don’t show too much wear and tear.And her room wouldn’t be complete without her one year dress and pictures of Mommy and Daddy. That little frame is her ultrasound picture. A way for us to freeze time. Who knew we would love you THIS much and you continue to amaze us every day?!

Baby Owen, we have not forgot about you either buddy. This pregnant mama can only move so fast. I can’t believe we are about 8 weeks away from meeting you. Here’s a sneak peek from his room. We don’t really have a so-called theme. And this is the best way for me when it comes to designing. I usually start with a few pieces I love and the rest of the room comes together. Since we have so many neutral colors right now I am hoping to bring in some brighter or bolder colors with an area rug. Maybe navy blue or turquoise.
Gotta have a touch of Army in there somewhere!
I am thinking of making a wall of shelves for books. I have a feeling Savannah will be reading him all the stories!
THIS ROCKER!! It is my favorite piece of furniture in the house! We kept it in the baby’s room for those late night feedings. I will probably never part with it.
She went over to the Rock n Play and said “Rock rock.” She is already ready for sweet Owen.
Owen’s room wouldn’t be complete without these UK booties and hat of course. And his daddy wants ALL the UK jerseys for little man too. We are ready for you (although your room may not be). It’s all a process. But a super fun one!

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Happy New Year! Hope this new year has been a fresh start for you. Thank you to each and every one of you for reading my blog and inspiring me throughout the year. I’m hoping to blog more so I guess that can be my resolution for 2018. I realized this holiday season that I was drawn to buffalo plaid (and all things plaid for that matter) and wanted to share a few of my favorites. Although the holidays are over, this is still a trend that can be carried throughout your home year round!
I just finished up sewing this window seat cover. Hobby Lobby has this beautiful plaid in multiple colors and you can use the weekly 40% off coupon on a single cut of fabric. I ended up recovering this cushion seat for under $20 using 3 yards. Not a sewing fan? Try this tutorial on a no-sew option I made before I began sewing. I decided I needed to be able to sew one and remove it for easy washing. With a large dog and messy toddler, this is the best option for our home.

With a baby boy on the way, I want to keep things simple and classic for his nursery. Burt’s bees had a big Christmas sale and I bought these sheets along with several other things, because who doesn’t love Burt’s bees??

THIS BLANKET!!! Can you look and see how soft this is? Well, I will basically keep buying this blanket over and over again. I got it last year (2016) around Christmas and ended up buying several more since they are so cozy. And I bought several for gifts. Did you know if you download the Macy’s app you get an additional 20% off your first purchase? These ended up being less than $20 each. A pregnant girl’s best friend right here! I have this Martha Stewart robe in black and white and it is so cozy, even a year later! It’s warm enough but not too thick. This robe is my go-to for being a stay at home mom on those lazy, coffee drinking mornings.Here is my little baby model in her cotton plaid t-shirt dress from Old Navy. It’s soft and will last throughout the winter, not just the holidays. You can dress it up or down too! She paired it with these cute Target Cat and Jack brand leggings.
This last one is a stretch for plaid, ha, but thought I would share anyway! I came across Kayla Weber Art, a local shop here in Lexington, Ky. She paints beautiful works of art and made these ornaments around Christmas. I ordered one for a friend of mine who left Lexington for her husband’s new Naval base in Italy. I wanted her to have a little piece of Ky to take with her. I encourage you to check out her shop! You will see one of these beautiful paintings on Savannah’s new room reveal! Gotta have a derby themed painting for my derby baby living in Lexington, Kentucky.

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Our very first B & B was in Savannah, GA where we stayed in a beautiful historic house overlooking Forsyth Park. At some point, we decided that for our anniversaries it would be fun to stay at different B & B’s. Our stay at Ashford Acres Inn was our third one, despite being married for 5 years now. Life gets in the way: things like deployments and babies 🙂 And I forgot my nice camera so excuse the less than perfect quality photos with my Iphone. I was really looking forward to bringing it, bummer!Our main reason for choosing Ashford Acres Inn was its close proximity to Lexington (about 50 miles) and the pictures and reviews online. Once arriving, it lived up to our expectations plus more. The main house was gorgeous and our little honeymoon suite was no exception. We stayed in a little detached house, our own little private retreat. This was my first night away from Savannah so it was much needed but at the same time I missed her.Upon arrival, Caroline checked us in and showed us around the property. Tucked away on a beautiful tree filled property, we felt at home and very relaxed. I made sure to turn on the Keurig in our room and enjoy a coffee (toddler free!)We then headed out to downtown Cynthiana for dinner. We decided on Bianke’s, a historical little diner style restaurant that had been the staple there for 122 years. For you UK fans, we saw the mural of Joe B. Hall close to the restaurant.

Then we headed back to our room where we enjoyed our alone time. The room had a large master bath with a walk in shower, beautiful tiled floor, robes, and a large soaking tub. In the morning, we were greeted at the main house with a 2 course breakfast which included a strawberry parfait and apple cinnamon pancakes. We then walked around the property enjoying the historic and beautiful nature of the house. My favorite area in the house was this quaint little sitting area: Magnolia leaves adorning the fireplace, all the mason jars and books, and the big comfy chairs.And here we are right before checking out. My pregnant belly and all! I would highly recommend this B & B for a quiet, relaxing retreat. Not much else to do in Cynthiana but there are beautiful country roads getting there. And maybe next time we will try to do the ghost tours. And the creator of The Walking Dead is from Cynthiana too! Very SPOOKY!!! (That’s for you Brooke!)

It seems like just yesterday we were saying our I do’s and heading out for our honeymoon. We have come a long way with multiple moves, a new city, deployment, a beautiful baby girl and sweet baby boy on the way. It hasn’t always been easy, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.The day to day makes it often hard to keep everything in perspective. Being pregnant and chasing a toddler is not the dream job, but somehow it suits me. And I couldn’t do it without you.

This letter is for you, about you. I see you.

I see you getting up every morning and changing our baby girl and laying her next to you so I can get some sleep.

I see you going to work everyday and staying late often so we can have ALL the stuff. And it is ALL the stuff. We have everything we need and more! We are very spoiled all because of you.

I see you not only going to work everyday, but working two jobs. I see you as a strong leader in the Army and how people look up to and admire you. So do I.

I see you going to all the places with us on your weekends off. To the mall, to breakfast, to baby stores, to the zoo, to the horse park, to family stuff. And you do it all without complaining. You do it with love and you make it look easy.(Above photo by Amanda Hacker Photography)I see you driving me to the hospital on your Sunday off when we have a small scare so I am not alone. (although I thought I would be fine) I see you chasing our daughter so I can relax and get better.

I see you playing with Savannah. And the love you have for her. I see her face light up when she sees you.(Above photo by Amanda Hacker Photography)
I see you confused when I cry for no reason. The support you have for me when I’m an emotional wreck means the world. Through pregnancy and I’m sure beyond. Your patience and understanding with me don’t go unnoticed.

I see you encouraging me. I want to be a better person because of you. I look up to you in so many ways. You are our ROCK. I will never be lonely with you by my side. We are a team and can do anything! (you are going to need this encouragement come March, ha)

I see you. All day every day. Even when I am asleep beside you. I notice. I notice you rocking Savannah. All so I can have a few more minutes. I notice all the things and am so appreciative for you and our marriage. As someone once told me during the newborn phase: This too shall pass. And it’s so true. This is tough. It is so tough. But so worth it. Every sleepless minute and day. Each day I get to call you mine and for forever. I love you and am so thankful for you and your sweet love for us.